Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced the launch of Hackaholics 6.0, a tech-driven competition aimed at fostering groundbreaking innovations. This year’s edition, themed “Beyond Algorithms: Engineering Disruptive Innovation,” comes with a major expansion, introducing an Accelerator Program to provide startups with funding, mentorship, and strategic support.
At the official launch in Lagos, Wema Bank revealed that Hackaholics 6.0 will integrate both hackathon and ideathon formats, creating a collaborative environment for developers, designers, business strategists, and problem solvers. The competition will focus on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies to address challenges in education, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and financial inclusion.
A key addition to this edition is the Wema Bank Accelerator Program, designed to help startups scale beyond initial funding by providing essential resources, industry connections, and expert guidance. In a significant move, the initiative will expand beyond Nigeria, reaching key African tech hubs to build a pan-African innovation ecosystem.
A Vision for the Future
Speaking at the event, Wema Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Moruf Oseni, highlighted the bank’s vision:
“Hackaholics was created to empower Nigeria’s brightest minds to solve real-world problems and drive technological advancements. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, Hackaholics 6.0 is not just about problem-solving, it’s about engineering disruptive innovations that reshape industries and transform lives. With the introduction of the Wema Bank Accelerator Program, we are committed to equipping startups with the tools, mentorship, and funding they need to thrive.”
Oseni encouraged innovators across Africa to participate, stating:
“Whether you are at the ideation stage or have a market-ready solution, Hackaholics 6.0 and our accelerator program are designed to support you. Visit hackaholics.wemabank.com to apply and be part of this movement to create lasting impact.”
Success Stories and Encouragement for Startups
Ugonna Ginigeme, CEO of Feegor and grand prize winner of Hackaholics 5.0, shared his experience at the launch:
“Winning Hackaholics 5.0 was a game-changer for us. At Feegor, we are building not just for Nigeria but for the African market, and Wema Bank has been a trusted partner in our journey. To every startup, developer, and entrepreneur out there, this is a golden opportunity. If you have Wema Bank as a partner, success is within reach.”
Since its inception in 2019, Hackaholics has become a platform for discovering and nurturing Africa’s brightest tech talents. With the launch of Hackaholics 6.0 and its expansion across the continent, Wema Bank is reaffirming its commitment to driving technological transformation and economic growth across Africa.
